Ryan Sampson’s “Mr. Bigstuff” Returns with Bold Humor and Quirky Scenes

The second season of the adult comedy series Mr. Bigstuff is set to premiere on Sky TV’s Vibe channel at 21:30 on October 11, 2023. Created by Ryan Sampson, the show features a blend of humor and absurdity, with memorable moments that aim to resonate with audiences.

Sampson, who stars alongside Danny Dyer, has crafted the new season to capitalize on the success of the first. One of the standout opening scenes involves Dyer’s character undertaking a naked run down a suburban street. Sampson described the experience: “I pitched it to Dan and I was nervous that he wasn’t going to do it – I mean, I wouldn’t want to do it.” Despite initial reservations, Dyer found the scene essential to his character’s arc. “It’s important to the story,” Dyer explained, noting that it signifies a reclaiming of masculinity for his character.

Filming such audacious scenes is no small feat. Dyer recounted the challenges of shooting the scene, including concerns over his feet as he ran barefoot on tarmac. To mitigate embarrassment, he humorously mentioned the need for a sock to maintain modesty, which proved difficult to keep in place. “You’ve got to embrace it – it’s funny at least,” he added.

Sampson reflected on lessons learned from the first season, particularly about his cast members’ strengths. He highlighted the chemistry between Dyer and co-star Harriet Webb, who plays Kirsty, as “magic.” A particularly memorable moment in the second season involves a scene where Kirsty unexpectedly walks in on Lee, portrayed by Dyer, during a rather personal grooming session. “It’s probably one of my favourite scenes of anything I’ve ever watched,” Sampson remarked.

The show also features a humorous nod to local culture through references like the fictional magazine CarpBabes, which Sampson admits is a product of his imagination. He humorously described his childhood memories of dubious magazines found in local stores, ultimately creating a fictional one that blends fishing and risqué content.

Setting plays a crucial role in Mr. Bigstuff, with many significant scenes taking place in cafes and fish and chip shops. Sampson explained this choice: “I want everything to be set in a scuzzy diner… it’s kind of some of the joy of this show.” Dyer shared his preference for a workingmen’s club as a filming location, where the authentic atmosphere added depth to the scenes. “They’ve got real character,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of capturing genuine environments.

The comedic style of Mr. Bigstuff shines through in scenes that feature absurd situations, like a food fight initiated by the throwing of a quiche. Dyer humorously recalled the randomness of such moments, stating, “Of all the things for him to throw at me, it had to be a quiche.” The production team even went to great lengths to ensure the quiche looked right, sourcing real ones from a local grocery store.

As Sampson prepares for the season launch, he acknowledges the ease of writing the second season, citing increased confidence in the material. While he has yet to formulate plans for a third season, Dyer is enthusiastic about continuing the series, declaring, “You just can’t end it there.”

Reflecting on the show’s broader appeal, Dyer remarked on the importance of humor in difficult times. “At the moment, there’s a lot of heavy stuff going on in the world, and we need escapism… it’s as funny as f… and that’s the key.” Each episode of Mr. Bigstuff lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it easy for viewers to binge-watch.

As anticipation builds for the second season, fans of Mr. Bigstuff can look forward to more of the quirky and engaging humor that has become a hallmark of the series. The show is also available for streaming on Neon, ensuring that audiences can enjoy the new episodes at their convenience.